Seriously you guys, I’m obsessed. Obsessed with frosted animal cookies. Arguably the most addictive treat of all time, these cookies have an air of nostalgia that makes my heart (and my tummy) filled with happiness.

What do I love about them? Everything, absolutely everything. From the amazing flavor and the bubblegum pink icing to the crunchy rainbow sprinkles, it doesn’t get any better.

Well…

There is one thing that could make this beloved bite size delight even better. Serving it in cupcake form!

Epic.

When creating this recipe, I wanted to replicate the flavor of the beloved cookies as much as possible.

I started with a delicious birthday cake batter and loaded it to the max with festive rainbow sprinkles! (Be sure to use nonpareil sprinkles as opposed to “Jimmies” which are traditionally used in funfetti cakes.) Why? To match the cookie topper of course!

The key to fluffy cupcakes is to incorporate air into the batter! The air bubbles will expand during baking, giving the cupcakes a perfect texture. The first step to getting air into the batter is to cream your butter and sugar. So don’t skip this step and be sure to allow ample time for the mixture to become light and fluffy!

During the remainder of the process be sure not to over mix the batter. Only mix until the ingredients are just incorporated (no more, no less). This too will ensure the cupcakes turn out fluffy.

Once the batter is nice and creamy it’s time to add those glorious sprinkles! ! Quickly and gently fold in the sprinkles so the color doesn’t run into the batter too much.

Now it’s time to fill the tin! When filling the cupcake liners, be careful not to pour in too much batter. Over filling will cause the batter to spill over the edge of the cupcakes and spread across the pan (not a pretty sight).

Next, bake the cupcakes until the tops are a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Caution: Over baking will lead to dry cupcakes so watch closely.

Once the cupcakes have cooled it is time to decorate!

After whipping up the white chocolate frosting divide it into two bowls. Use pink or red food coloring to make half of the frosting pink. (I kept adding dye until the frosting was as close to the color of the animal cookies as possible.)

Pipe a generous amount of frosting onto each cupcake, sprinkles with the nonpareils, and top with your favorite circus animal cookie (Mine are the camel whatever is in photo of single cupcake).

Adorable, delectable, and fun for all ages, these cupcakes are a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Lastly, making these cupcakes will allow you to perform a famous circus favorite: The Vanishing Act.

You two do the most creative, professional, and beautiful work together! Your talents & passion mesh perfectly together. I’m absolutely in love with your photography & blog & everything you two create! I guess you could say I’m a big fan lol